Maj. Gen. Terry passes the torch to Maj. Gen. Lyons
(Standing in vehicle, from left) Maj. Gen Stephen Lyons, incoming commander, 8th TSC; Col. Charles Maskell, deputy commander, 8th TSC, and ceremony commander of troops; Lt. Gen. Francis Wiercinski, commander, USARPAC; and Maj. Gen. Michael J. Terry, outgoing commander, 8th TSC, as well as the command’s driver, Staff Sgt. Brian Hout, perform the inspection of troops during the change of command. (Sgt. Jesse Untalan | 8th Theater Sustainment Command Public Affairs)
Sgt. Gaelen Lowers
8th Theater Sustainment Command Public Affairs
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — The 8th Theater Sustainment Command has a short but imperative history, with traditions that date back to the very earliest days of our Army.
Today, a new chapter has been written as Maj. Gen. Michael J. Terry relinquished command of the 8th TSC to Maj. Gen. Stephen Lyons on Hamilton Field, here, Wednesday.
The 8th TSC’s reach spans more than 9,000 miles across the Pacific region, providing to its subordinate units and their more than 8,000 Soldiers, maintenance, transport, engineer support, supply and services, explosive ordnance disposal, human resource services, finance and military police support.
Terry (right) stands with Lyons during the pass and review portion of 8th TSC’s change of command ceremony. (Sgt. Gaelen Lowers | 8th Theater Sustainment Command Public Affairs)
Since its constitution and activation in 1968 as the 8th Field Army Support Command, its redesignation in 2005, its reintegration as the 8th Sustainment Command (Theater) (Provisional) in 2006, to its activation as the 8th TSC, May 1, 2009, the unit remains an integral piece of U.S. Army-Pacific’s warfighting capability.
“It’s truly been a remarkable ride,” said Terry. “We knew that the 8th TSC was an evolving unit, expanding its mission set throughout the USARPAC area of operations. We also knew that we weren’t just a formation of logistics units, [but] a truly multifunctional unit, complete with a complex organizational structure and mission sets.”
Terry went on to say that logistical units such as the 8th TSC are unique when their deployment window comes around. In divisions, units deploy in brigade elements, but the 8th TSC will send units as small as a platoon, section and/or team formations to support larger units.
“Within the 8th TSC, we are always in the Army Force Generation model process,” he continued, “preparing units to deploy, taking care of issues for family members and Soldiers of deployed units, and reintegrating units and Soldiers upon their return.”
The 8th TSC, he said, continued to support USARPAC and its mission despite the constant process of deployment and redeployment.
“The great leaders and Soldiers you see on this field and in the stands make that happen,” Terry said.
(From left) Maj. Gen Stephen Lyons, incoming commander, 8th TSC; Col. Charles Maskell, deputy commanding officer, 8th TSC, and ceremony commander of troops; Lt. Gen. Francis Wiercinski, commander, USARPAC; and Maj. Gen. Michael J. Terry, outgoing commander of the 8th TSC, as well as the command’s driver, Staff Sgt. Brian Hout, perform the inspection of troops. (Sgt. Gaelen Lowers | 8th Theater Sustainment Command Public Affairs)
Terry admitted that it was tough giving up the colors, but changing command is what makes our Army the finest in the world.
“Commanders come and go, and through it all, the units go on and continue to excel,” he said.
Lyons kept his speech short, but made sure to thank those for whom he had the most respect.
“There is no question in my mind that you, the Soldiers, are the best America has to offer,” he said. “Through your service, you demonstrate that responsibility comes before privilege. You honor those who came before us. Daily, you demonstrate your incredible strength of character through your commitment to freedom, willingness to give more than you take, and being part of something bigger than yourself.”
Lyons also thanked Lt. Gen. Francis Wiercinski, commander, USARPAC; Terry and his family, for their strong support and seamless transition; the veterans in the stands; and the families of all the Soldiers deployed.
Before leaving the stand, Lyons thanked the Soldiers one last time and promised that together, they would help make the 8th TSC even stronger.
“Thanks for what you do,” he said to the Soldiers on the field. “It is an absolute privilege to stand in your ranks, with you, as we build on the next chapter in our history.”
Category: Leadership, News
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